The Dispatch E-Edition

All current subscribers have full access to Digital D, which includes the E-Edition and
unlimited premium content on Dispatch.com, BuckeyeXtra.com, BlueJacketsXtra.com and
DispatchPolitics.com.
Subscribe
today!

Thursday September 13, 2012 6:36 AM

Dear Abby: My father left my mother after 32 years of marriage. Mom was devastated. She tried to
keep things cordial for the sake of her four kids, but Dad spurned her efforts.

My three brothers and I are now married with children. Only recently have I been able to express
how ashamed I am of myself and my siblings for the despicable way we have treated our mother for 17
years.

Dad was always arrogant, but he became worse when he came into money. To us, he became No. 1.
The reason? The money. We put our mother down, and our spouses chimed right in. We visited her only
once or twice a year and never repaid money she lent us. She knew she wasn’t wanted or respected.
Dad is clueless to the fact that we hang around only because of what we can get. This is still true
of my brothers, but I no longer want any part of the charade.

Mom is gone; she quietly moved out of our lives, and I don’t know where she is. I don’t blame
her. The abuse she took from us shouldn’t happen to a dog. I remember a mother who held a full-time
job, kept a marvelous home, was a great cook and had a wonderful laugh and sensitivity. She didn’t
smoke, drink or cheat on Dad.

All she wanted was to be loved by her kids and spend time with her grandkids. Now the grandkids
are growing up without knowing this wonderful woman.

Mom, if you see this, I love you dearly. I hope you can someday forgive me for all the hateful
remarks and unkind deeds. I’m going to live the rest of my life trying to emulate your values and
quiet dignity.

— Missing My Mom in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dear Missing: If you’re truly sorry, tell your mother personally and ask her forgiveness. Do
whatever it takes to find her — including hiring a private detective, if necessary. It might be
expensive, but use some of the money from dear old Dad.

Dear Abby: I am an 81-year-old grandmother who trusted that my annual Pap smear would provide
early detection for any type of uterine cancer.

A diagnosis of uterine cancer that resulted in a subsequent hysterectomy proved to me that the
test isn’t enough. The Pap test, an important part of a regular checkup, checks only for cervical
cancer. Any bleeding or abnormal discharge should be reported to a doctor.

— Georgia Grandmother

Dear Grandmother: I’m pleased that your cancer was caught in time. And, yes, a woman should
immediately alert her doctor to any abnormal bleeding, spotting or discharge.